This problem needs a radical, holistic approach, a solution that creates a new paradigm. More of the same simply means an "arms race" as each side tries to gain an advantage over the other - and kidnapping engineers is just one step in that process. Next will be the kidnapping (or bribing) of personnel from high-tech military and intelligence facilities.
The solution: legalise drugs. Prohibition doesn't work. The debate is over, the only question remaining is the details.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/artcarden/2012/04/19/lets-be-blunt-its-time-to-end-the-drug-war/
http://www.legalisedrugs.co.uk/results.html
http://www.news.com.au/national-old/its-over-weve-lost-drugs-war-report-says/story-e6frfkvr-1226316949594
http://www.urban75.com/Drugs/drugten.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/28/drug-legalization-pros-cons-drug-war_n_1834417.html

Engineers are always very valuable. I actually don't see it weird that drug lords kidnap them, although this is indeed frightening.
But what really puzzles me is that why doesn't the Mexican government recruits engineers and fight back ?
I'm sure that the day of using just a police and guns have gone. There's a need for more sophisticated fight techniques I guess.

There seems to be a lot of corruption in Mexico extending up through the police force and into the government. That may be why the "despite the best efforts of the Mexican government to shut it down" doesn't seem to be working.

Whatever was the case with the ancient Egyptians... I reckon they were probably better employers than the Zetas.... It is indeed super frightening, Dylan.
I wonder if the Mexican government could start recruiting engineers itself, to fight fire with fire, so to speak?